Gum Disease-what Can Cause It

You hear about gum disease (periodontal disease) from your dentist or in the media

, but do you really know what it is? Studies have confirmed over half of all Americans over the age of 30 suffer from some form of this disease.

Early signs and symptoms of gum infection include swollen and bleeding gums. If you don't seek treatment for this problem, this condition can spread throughout your mouth destroying the bone supporting your teeth. Over time your teeth will become extremely loose leaving you no other option but to extract the tooth to control the infection.

Infection in your gums can affect the supporting structures of your teeth. This encompasses your gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. In the initial stages of the disease, a person experiences a minor infection, also called gingivitis. As the disease progresses, it spreads to all the surrounding tissues.

Scientists have been studying the causes of periodontal disease for many years. The general opinion among professionals in the dental community is that bacteria in dental plaque is the primary contributing cause. Additional studies have suggested the correlation between gum infection and your total health.

Recent research has confirmed a direct correlation between this condition and health issues. While this area of research is in its infancy, the potential answers to certain health conditions seem promising. Only time will tell what the exact correlation is between infection of your gums and certain medical problems.

Researchers are currently studying potential correlations between gum disease and:

1) Stroke-Infection in your gums may increase your chances of getting a stroke as a result of blocked arteries.

2) Premature Births-Studies suggest a woman with poor dental hygiene and gum disease during pregnancy will increase the chances of delivering a baby prematurely. The infant will most likely exhibit low birth weight. One particular research suggested that up to 18 percent of premature, low-birth-weight infants could be related to a mother's periodontal disease.

3) Atherosclerosis And Heart Disease-This disease condition can increase the chances of clogged arteries and heart disease. While the exact scientific correlation is unclear, it seems some infections can cause further deterioration of existing heart disease.

4) Diabetes-Evidence suggests diabetic patients suffering from infection of the gums have more difficulty controlling proper blood sugar levels than those patients with healthy gums.

5) Respiratory Disease-Periodontal disease can cause lung infections and aggravate existing lung problems when bacteria in the mouth travel to the lungs.

by: Sarah P. Shimanski

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